Djokovic ‘trying to stay alive’ after reaching record-extending Shanghai Masters semi-final - reaction

Novak Djokovic admitted he is “trying to stay alive” at the Shanghai Masters as the 38-year-old overcame the “brutal” conditions and more physical issues to reach the semi-finals.

Djokovic advanced to a record-extending 80th semi-final at ATP 1000 level as he defeated the Belgian Zizou Bergs 6-3 7-5, but was left gasping for air after the longer rallies as well as holding his left ankle in between points.

The 24-time grand slam champion had collapsed during his previous win over Jaume Munar due to the extreme heat and humidity and admitted he is giving “everything” as he seeks to win a fifth Shanghai title, with the opportunity opening up after Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the tournament and Jannik Sinner retired in the third round.

“It’s great for Monegasque tennis! We have one of our biggest tournaments in Monaco and I’m very glad for him and his coach Benjamin Balleret, his coach I’ve known for many years, trained with him while being based in Monaco over the last 15 years.

“Amazing story for him. This tournament has taken out many top players - I don’t know how many - but it’s very impressive what he’s doing.”

Novak Djokovic did not give an interview after his gruelling win over Jaume Munar on Tuesday, but is asked what he is having to give “physically and mentally” to reach an 80th Masters semi-final in Shanghai.

“Pretty much everything. Just trying stay alive on the court. First encounter with Bergs, great guy, a lot of firepower. I was trying to get an extra ball into play and make him miss, that’s what happened.

“It’s very challenging conditions for all players. Just trying to stay alive and glad to overcome this hurdle.”

Djokovic will play World No 204 Valentin Vacherot in the semi-finals.

Vacherot could yet be joined in the semi-finals by his cousin, the French player Arthur Rinderkneck, who will look to back up his win over Alexander Zverev when he takes on Felix Auger-Aliassime on Friday.

And how about this from Novak Djokovic. An astonishing point as he broke Bergs for the second time in the second set, on his way to closing out the match.

“MAN, I’VE GOTTA STOP IDOLISING YOU” says Bergs to Djokovic as he walked towards him at the net.

Hilarious, but also telling. Bergs was bidding to reach his first ATP Masters semi-final. Djokovic is through to his 80th at this level.

But that was a fun match, particularly at the end of the second set.

Long from Bergs on the backhand! Djokovic will get a look at a third match point. Djokovic clips the baseline on the backhand, and Bergs launches into the flying forehand...

BUT IT FLIES LONG! DJOKOVIC IS THROUGH!

Incredible from Bergs! He turns defence into attack as he pulls Djokovic in and finds the forehand pass, whipping it cross-court.

Suddenly the Belgian has a break-back point. Djokovic finds a big first serve out wide and Bergs can’t keep the return in play!

Deuce.

Bergs puts a simple backhand down the line into the net. There’s been some good flashes from Bergs, but also too many mistakes.

It gives Djokovic two match points. Oof. Djokovic nets on the first, again looking off-balance and gasping heavily.

A second match point: Bergs digs in and saves that too! Brilliant return from the Belgian, who also saved two match points in his win over Gabriel Diallo in the fourth round!

UNREAL! On 30-30, Bergs has five - FIVE - chances on the overhead to put Djokovic away. Djokovic keeps on making them, while hanging up another high ball. Finally, Bergs misses on the forehand crosscourt.

It brings up break point, and Djokovic takes it as Bergs hits out. An unravelling from the Belgian but wow, the resistance and resilience from Djokovic. Point of the tournament.